Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach offers all the best outdoor activities you come to Florida for, including kayaking through mangrove tunnels, hiking wildlife-rich trails, lazing on a white sandy beach—with fantastic food and drink just steps away—and more
Not only are we easy to get to, we offer outside adventure for every activity level, accommodations for every budget, and great local restaurants where you can enjoy fresh local seafood and produce.
Here’s what makes our sunny hidden gem a top choice for nature lovers, whether they're planning a family trip, a girls or guys weekend, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure:
1. Wheels Down
Punta Gorda is bike-friendly spot, so much so that free loaner bikes are on offer at several locations. Hop on and explore this beautiful water-side city, search out over 30 historical murals, and indulge in guilt-free treats at a variety of independently-owned restaurants.
2. Take a Walk or a Hike
With so many parks and preserves offering hiking and walking trails full of birds and other wildlife, you can find yourself on an adventure the minute you step out of your hotel!
Don't miss our ulitmate "park," the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens. They're showcasing Origami in the Garden, an internationally-renowned exhibition, September of 2025 until April of 2026, which is, in itself, a great reason to come visit.
3. Hit the Beach
Of course, nothing beats the beach! Before you head out, find some great tips to get your family Beach Ready and a great reference of beach bag essentials.
4. Get on the Water
Relish the pure freedom of a great sail in Charlotte Harbor with Punta Gorda Adventures, or get out on the water with King Fisher Fleet or Lemon Bay Dolphin Tours. If you're wanting to observe more sealife in a calmer environment, we recommend paddling tours and rentals.
5. Get up in the Air
You can, indeed, jump out of a perfectly good airplane in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, with Skydive Southwest Florida. Enjoy the thrill of a lifetime and one of the most scenic drop zones on the west coast of Florida, with amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Peace River.
If you’d like to travel the other way (as it were), head over to Englewood Parasailing for unbeatable views from up to 500 feet in the air.
You can also take to the air and savor the wind in your hair in a Suncoast Biplanes air tour with unbeatable views (you stay inside this plane!).
6. Take a Dive
We love our watersports but diving in opens up a new world. Try a snorkeling trip, either guided or on your own, or even learn to scuba dive with Fantasea Scuba in Port Charlotte or Gaspar’s Dive and Board in Englewood.
7. Commune with Nature
Almost everywhere you look in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, nature is looking back at you, whether it's the tiny sparrow flying overhead, the dolphin or manatee on a boat or paddling trip, or the alligators, deer, and cracker cattle on an outing with Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours. We treasure our wildlife and nature, and we know our visitors do, too, whether they're here for some serious birding or just to enjoy true Old Florida outdoor time.
| Activity | Best Season | Family Friendly? | Insider Tip |
| Kayaking | Spring, Fall | Yes | Get the kayaks delivered |
| Nature Hiking | October–April | Yes | Explore Sustainability tips, bring binoculars and your Birding Life List |
| Beach Picnics | All Year | Yes | Visit nearby beach retaurants to cool off |
| Water Activities | All Year | Yes | 7 Ways to get Your Family Beach Ready |
A vacation in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach feels like a trip to a distant natural paradise...but with all the comforts and amenities of home. Pop on down and explore for yourself!
